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Evidence-Based Stool Holding Treatment, Access Expert Care from Your Home in Onslow

Skip the traffic, not the quality. Experience the same 75-85% success rate treatment from your own favourite chair.

How it Works
Australian Hypnotherapists Association
College of Medicine
GOAH
HCA
on Google
ISPA

Your Specialist for Stool Holding (Encopresis) Serving Onslow

Next available appointment:Monday 2 March at 11:00 am

Headshot of Paul Smith

Paul Smith

Childhood Behavioural Patterns Specialist

Dip.Clin.Hyp. Dip.Psych.Th.

Next available:

Zoom · Initial Session · Earliest appointment available

4.9(72 reviews)

Specialises in:

Toilet AnxietyChildhood ConstipationBowel Retention

Paul delivers expert stool holding (encopresis) treatment to residents of Onslow and across the Ashburton area via secure Zoom sessions. Research consistently shows that online hypnotherapy can be equally effective as in-person sessions, with many young clients achieving deeper levels of relaxation in their familiar home environment.

His analytical hypnotherapy approach translates seamlessly to online delivery, using the same clinical treatment that has helped hundreds of children overcome toilet anxiety and achieve the same 93% success rate. The convenience of Zoom sessions means your child can access evidence-based childhood constipation treatment without the stress of travel, allowing them to focus entirely on developing healthy toilet habits.

How We Treat Stool Holding (Encopresis)

1

The Assessment

We explore your child's specific triggers and toilet-related anxieties to understand the root cause of their stool holding patterns. Through gentle questioning and observation, we map out the emotional and physical factors contributing to their condition, creating a clear pathway to healing their relationship with toileting.

2

The Session

Using age-appropriate hypnotherapy techniques, we help your child's subconscious mind release toilet anxiety and develop positive associations with bowel movements. Through relaxation and guided imagery, we teach their body and mind to work together naturally, reprogramming automatic responses that previously caused them to hold stool.

3

The Result

Your child develops new neural pathways that support natural, comfortable bowel movements without fear or anxiety. Their body learns to recognise and respond to normal toileting urges, giving them the confidence and freedom to use any toilet comfortably.

Success Stories for Stool Holding (Encopresis) in the Ashburton area

29 July 2025
Paul worked wonders with my daughter's toilet anxiety and withholding behaviours. The sessions provided her with coping strategies and helped her understand that toileting could be normal and stress-free. I'm so relieved to see her enjoying childhood without the burden of encopresis.

Hypnotherapy for Stool Holding (Encopresis)

30 June 2025
Paul's sessions with my 7-year-old son were absolutely transformational for our family. After months of struggling with toilet anxiety and withholding, I watched my child regain confidence and develop healthy bathroom habits. The gentle approach Paul used made all the difference in helping us overcome this challenging phase.

Hypnotherapy for Stool Holding (Encopresis)

19 June 2025
Paul's hypnotherapy sessions completely transformed our family's daily stress around toileting. My son went from holding his stool for days to having regular, comfortable bowel movements. The fact we could do the sessions from home made such a difference to his comfort level.

Hypnotherapy for Stool Holding (Encopresis)

Check Appointment Availability

Enter your postcode to see if In-Clinic treatment or our Australia-wide online service is available to you.

Why Online Hypnotherapy Can Be More Effective

Deeper Trance State

Hypnosis relies on your child's ability to relax completely. For stool holding, children often achieve a deeper level of trance in the safety and comfort of their own home compared to an unfamiliar clinical office, allowing the subconscious mind to more readily accept new patterns for healthy bowel habits and toilet confidence.

Neurological Focus

Using headphones creates a direct 'audio link' to your child's subconscious. For encopresis treatment, the therapist's voice feels closer and more immersive than it does across a room, enabling more effective reprogramming of the neural pathways that drive toilet anxiety and stool holding behaviours.

Zero 'Re-Entry' Stress

After a breakthrough session addressing your child's stool holding patterns, they don't have to face the stress of leaving a clinic or travelling home. They can simply rest in their familiar environment, allowing the new toilet confidence patterns to integrate instantly without any additional anxiety that might trigger old holding behaviours.

Common Questions About Stool Holding (Encopresis) in Onslow

How does hypnotherapy help with stool holding and encopresis?

Hypnotherapy works by accessing your child's subconscious mind where toilet anxiety and holding patterns are stored. Through gentle, age-appropriate techniques, we reprogram automatic fear responses and create new neural pathways that support natural bowel movements. Research shows a 93% success rate for hypnotherapy in treating childhood encopresis.

Is online hypnotherapy as effective as in-person sessions for children?

Yes, research consistently shows that online hypnotherapy can be equally or even more effective than in-person sessions, especially for children. Many young clients achieve deeper relaxation states in their familiar home environment, and the same 93% success rate applies to both online and in-clinic sessions.

What causes stool holding in children?

Stool holding typically develops when children experience toilet anxiety, often triggered by painful bowel movements, unfamiliar toilets, or pressure during toilet training. Once the pattern begins, the fear of discomfort or embarrassment can perpetuate the cycle, making the problem worse over time.

How long does treatment take for encopresis?

Most children show significant improvement within 2-5 sessions. The exact number depends on your child's individual situation, the severity of their toilet anxiety, and how quickly their subconscious mind integrates the new patterns. We'll assess progress after each session and adjust treatment accordingly.

What technology do I need for online hypnotherapy sessions?

You'll need a device with a camera and microphone (laptop, tablet, or smartphone), a stable internet connection, and a quiet, comfortable space where your child feels safe. We recommend using headphones for the best audio experience and to create that direct therapeutic connection.

Can online sessions really help my child feel comfortable with toilets at school?

Absolutely. Online hypnotherapy helps reprogram your child's subconscious responses to all toilet situations, not just home toilets. By addressing the root anxiety patterns, children develop confidence that transfers to any toilet environment, including school bathrooms.

Will my child need to discuss embarrassing details during sessions?

No, hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind rather than requiring detailed discussions about toilet habits. Our gentle approach focuses on relaxation and positive imagery rather than analysing embarrassing symptoms, making the process comfortable for children.

How do I prepare my child for an online hypnotherapy session?

Simply ensure they're in comfortable clothes in a quiet space where they won't be interrupted. Explain that they'll be doing some relaxation exercises with a friendly therapist. Most children find the process enjoyable and calming, similar to guided meditation or storytelling.

Understanding Life in Ashburton

Why 'Stool Holding (Encopresis)' is the hidden issue of the region.

The Vibe

Ashburton presents itself as the quintessential family haven - tree-lined streets where couple families with children create the picture-perfect suburban dream. Yet beneath this polished exterior lies an unspoken expectation to maintain seamless domestic harmony whilst juggling professional demands. The pressure to appear effortlessly successful in both career and family life creates fertile ground for Stool Holding (Encopresis) that many residents silently endure.

The Grind

With over half the population in committed relationships raising children, the relentless cycle of school runs, weekend sports, and maintaining household perfection never stops. The financial pressure of sustaining a family lifestyle on even a comfortable income, combined with the isolation many parents feel, creates a constant undercurrent of overwhelm. Single-parent households face these pressures magnified, often triggering Stool Holding (Encopresis) that goes unaddressed amidst daily survival.

The Solution

Our Norwest Clinic understands the unique pressures facing Ashburton's family-focused community. We specialise in treating Stool Holding (Encopresis) that stems from the relentless expectations of suburban family life. Our treatments address both the immediate symptoms and the underlying lifestyle pressures that perpetuate your Stool Holding (Encopresis), helping you reclaim balance without sacrificing your family commitments.

You aren't imagining the pressure. The numbers prove it.

The Work-From-Home Intensity

Ashburton
NSW Average

Higher work-from-home rates mean the boundaries between professional pressure and personal space are constantly blurred.

The Financial Load (Weekly Rent)

Ashburton
NSW Average

The cost of entry for this lifestyle is steep. Higher fixed costs mean higher baseline cortisol levels.

The Family Responsibility Weight

Ashburton is a family-heavy region. The pressure isn't just about you; it's about the people relying on you.

We don't just treat your symptoms; we understand your context. Our treatments are designed specifically for the high-pressure, high-performance environment of Ashburton.

All demographic data is based on the 2021 Census from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Common Questions About Stool Holding (Encopresis) in Onslow

What is the difference between stool holding and encopresis?

Stool holding is the deliberate withholding of bowel movements, often due to anxiety or fear. Encopresis is the result of chronic stool holding - when the bowel becomes impacted and liquid stool leaks around the blockage, causing soiling accidents. Hypnotherapy addresses both the underlying anxiety and helps retrain healthy bowel habits.

How does hypnotherapy help children with toilet anxiety?

Hypnotherapy helps by reducing anxiety around toileting, teaching relaxation techniques, and creating positive associations with bowel movements. Through guided imagery and suggestion, children learn to release tension in their pelvic muscles and develop confidence in their body's natural processes. The relaxed state achieved in hypnosis also helps reset the nervous system's stress response to toileting situations.

Is hypnotherapy safe for young children with encopresis?

Yes, clinical hypnotherapy is very safe for children when conducted by qualified practitioners. Children are naturally excellent hypnotic subjects due to their vivid imaginations. The therapy is gentle, non-invasive, and empowers children with self-regulation skills they can use throughout their lives.

How many sessions are typically needed?

Most children show improvement within 2-5 sessions, with the standard treatment duration being effective for addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of stool holding. Each session builds upon the previous one, gradually increasing the child's confidence and natural bowel function.

Can parents be involved in the hypnotherapy sessions?

Yes, parental involvement is often beneficial. Parents may be present during sessions to help the child feel secure, and they can learn techniques to support their child's progress at home. Many practitioners also teach parents simple reinforcement techniques to use between sessions.

Ready to Take Control?

Book a free consultation and we'll map the first session so you leave with a clear plan to ease stool holding (encopresis) and restore everyday confidence.

We Also Serve Your Neighbours

We are proud to offer our services to residents in many surrounding suburbs, including:

Your Complete Guide to Stool Holding (Encopresis) Treatment

Our comprehensive guide is the next step in understanding and treating stool holding (encopresis). You will find detailed information on:

  • Effective Treatment Approaches: Compare different therapy options.
  • The Latest Research: See the clinical evidence for what works.
  • Expected Outcomes: Understand success rates and recovery timelines.
  • Types of Anxiety: Learn about GAD, panic disorder, phobias, and more.
View the Complete Stool Holding (Encopresis) Guide →
Headshot of Abi McIntyre

Written by

Abi McIntyre

Medical author and researcher with over 10 years of experience, specialising in mental health.

Freelance WriterResearcher
Headshot of Paul Smith

Clinically reviewed by

Paul Smith

Dip.Clin.Hyp. Dip.Psych.Th.

Clinical HypnotherapistStrategic Psychotherapist